Bay spoils BIC's season opener with 79-39 victory

Tuesday, October 27, 2009By TRENT FLETCHER

Buffalo Island Central first year Coach Garrett Eoff's season opener was not a happy one, as the Mustangs fell to Bay 79-39 in senior boys basketball action Tuesday night at the Mustang Athletic Complex in Monette.

"Bay is one of the best small schools in the state," said Eoff. "We knew that coming in. They have a very good, experienced team and our lack of experience showed up tonight. We got away from what we were supposed to be doing and it really hurt us. I did see a bright spot in our half-court defense and our rebounding. The guys communicated well and are working together as a team. It's just a matter of putting all the puzzle pieces together."

Devin Griffin led Bay with 24 points, including six three pointers. Gunner Freeman also hit double digits for the Yellowjackets, scoring 16 points, 14 in the first half, as Bay built a 51-27 halftime advantage. Bay stretched their margin to 60-33 after three periods.

Sophomore forward Daniel Davis led the Mustangs with 12 points, all of which came in the opening half. Davis finished a perfect five for five from the field and made both of his free throw attempts. Returning starter Brandon Atkeison finished with nine points while Drey Crabtree and Brandon Lairsey had four points apiece. Heath Hawkins, Ben Cole, Adrian Mondragon, James Tate and Josh McCormick all scored two points each to round out the Mustang scoring on the night.

In junior high action, Bay rolled to a 51-16 win. Zack Johnson and Dillon Loven led Bay with 22 and 17 points respectively. Bay held a 20-4 lead after the first period and headed to the dressing room with a 34-14 advantage. The Yellowjackets took a 47-16 lead into the final frame.

Bay hit four of five free throws and one three pointer while BIC finished two of four from the line.

Zac Chase led BIC with eight points. Dilynn Strickland scored three while James Sanders and Tyler Boone netted two points apiece. Nick Bollinger rounded out the Mustang scoring with one point.